Do you remember where you were when first hearing the news? What was your first thoughts?  I still remember to this day, exactly where I was. I was at a red light, just about to make a left turn, about 500 yards from my office. My first thought was what kind of idiot would fly that close and hit a building. Was it a mistake?  Did the pilot fall asleep?  My mind was racing. As I drove up to the parking lot, there was another news flash that another plane just flew into the South Tower.  At this time, I knew it wasn't an accident and my adrenaline was rushing strong.

I ran into the office, a few of my co-workers just settling into their seats, not knowing what happened. I ran into my bosses office and turned on the tv. We sat there watching for about 45 minutes. It wasn't more than about 10 minutes later, when two of our processors went back to their desks to work, when I yelled out, "OMG, OMG...  one of the towers is collapsing. Just after watching the South Tower to fall first, I just sat there with my hands in my face, tears streaming down. I just didn't know what to think.

Just thinking about all of those families and how they lost their loved ones, just because of some group that has hatred for all that are alive. It just makes me sick to my stomach. We just need to remember all those that lost their lives that day, their families, and those that sacrificed so much to help others.  And also to remember those that lost their lives and sacrificed after the fact, searching for those terrorists and bringing them to justice.

All I know and remember after 9/11 was watching the news coverage 6 to 8 hours a day. Mainly into the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes going to sleep at 3 am or 4 am. Just watching so many families asking for help, to find those loved ones that haven't called home yet. I was so fortunate because I didn't know anyone that was killed in these attacks. But I did have a few friends that lost others. My only concern was when the attacks first took place was to make sure that my brother-in-law was okay. He worked in Manhattan and use to work in the South Tower a year previously. He was moved to midtown, which was like 20 to 30 blocks away, and I am so grateful for that.

I can also remember when we first invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, that maybe I should go back into the Army. See, I served from 1986 to 1988, and I am proud to be an American. And I was very close to the cut off date to enlist. There was a part of me that wanted to give back and help. Just as those 411 emergency workers who lost their lives trying to help and save those that were trapped in the Towers. We need to remember all that were involved and those still struggling with their losses.

The Sphere, which is symbol of what happened on 9/11/01.  I got to vist that Sphere -  The Sphere  

And for those of you who might have missed this from last year, Yvette Smith tells her story. 9-11 A Day I won't forget  This is a must read.  Just have a tissue handy.

9/11 -  REMEMBER IT FOREVER